Reports suggest that Chelsea have already identified an England international as their priority signing for next season.
French Star 'Signs Pre-Contract' With Chelsea
The latest transfer window concluded little more than a month ago, but the Blues seem to already be actively recruiting for the 2023/24 campaign.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the west Londoners had agreed a pre-contract with French star Christopher Nkunku, with the 24-year-old understood to have already undergone a medical for the club.
Now, according to 90min, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly also wants to add West Ham United star Declan Rice to the club's ranks, with the two-time European champions said to have made him a priority for next season.
The 23-year-old is a product of Cobham, Chelsea's famed academy, but after being released by the club as a teenager, he carved a way for himself in east London.
The defensive midfielder has been a stalwart for the Hammers ever since breaking into their senior team, and now Boehly reportedly wants Rice back at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea tried to snap up the England international in the past window but were emphatically rebuffed by their London rivals, with manager David Moyes saying only an offer in excess of £120 million (R2.4 billion) would be enough to entice West Ham into selling.
The Hammers have improved significantly under the Scotsman, having recently competed in the latter stages of the UEFA Europa League and signing highly-rated players such as Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta, but have started the 2022/23 campaign poorly, and if that form continues, Rice could seek pastures new.
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The London Stadium faithful will be hoping their fortunes improve rapidly so that they can compete regularly for European places, a prospect that could see Rice extend his stay at the club instead.
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